The new competition has 736 accepted entries, exactly the same as last season, and starts with an Extra Preliminary Round of 184 ties on 15 August.
The draws for The FA Cup, FA Trophy, FA Vase and FA Youth Cup were all made on Friday
The first few ties in the draw include Bedlington Terriers v West Auckland Town, Bishop Auckland v Shildon and Bridlington Town v North Shields. Bedlington knocked Colchester United out 4-1 in the First Round in 1998, Bishops reached the Fourth Round in 1955 after beating Crystal Palace and Ipswich Town, and North Shields were Wembley winners in the FA Vase just two months ago.
Wembley FC, who certainly wouldn’t have to travel far for the Final, fell at the first hurdle last season and start this season’s campaign with an away tie at Hillingdon Borough. The Lions have only made it through to the Competition Proper once, losing 3-0 at Enfield in the First Round in 1980.
Greenwich Borough, the Southern Counties East League side, reached the Fourth Round Qualifying for the first time last season – losing to a late goal at Worcester City – and hopes will be high for another long run as they take on Lordswood at home.
The 184 Preliminary Round winners will each collect £1,500 from The FA’s prize fund and progress to the Preliminary Round on 29 August.
